Submitted by the Sultana Disaster Museum
Marion, AR (April 14, 2021) The Sultana Steamboat explosion of 1865 is the “Greatest Maritime Disaster in United States History”. While many people have never heard of the tragedy, a small group in Marion, Arkansas formed the Sultana Historical Preservation Society and opened a modest museum in 2015. The Society is now planning a multi-million-dollar new Sultana Disaster Museum, designed by Haizlip Studio of Memphis, to be located in the center of the City of Marion.
On Tuesday April 27, 2021, the 156th Anniversary of the steamboat explosion, the Sultana Historical Preservation Society will announce the kick-off of a $7.5 million capital campaign to fund the museum. The press conference will be held at 11:00am at the proposed site at Briarwood and Military Road in Marion Arkansas. Featured guest speaker, Governor Asa Hutchinson, plans to commit the support of the state to this project. Other special guest speakers include Kevin Kane, President Memphis Tourism, Helena West Helena Mayor Kevin Smith and State Senator Keith Ingram.
The future museum will commemorate and honor those who experienced the horrific disaster and preserve a piece of our Nation’s history. The story of the Sultana has national appeal and the museum is forecasted to attract 50,000 visitors to Marion annually. Those tourists are projected to contribute over $3.5 million dollars in spending in the Delta Region.
For more information contact Tracy Brick, Sultana Project Director, at 870-739-6041 or tracy.brick@marionarkansas.org, or visit www.sultanadisastermuseum.com.
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